Independent Scholar

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  • Fascinated by her experience in a Montesssori school, Regina Cyvas ‘10 studied Montessori education while on an off-campus program. When she returned, she continued to explore this interest by pursuing an independent scholar major. Working with Prof. Kathy Dohrmann, who has done research on the subject, Regina wrote a senior thesis on Montessori education and landed a job at a local Montessori school.

Some of our strongest students find that no one traditional major fully meets what they want to study. A student interested in psychoneuroimmunology could major in psychology and biology but still might find his needs aren't entirely met with those two departments alone.

Working with a faculty advisor, students accepted into the Independent Scholar program can develop their own major, culminating in a thesis or creative project. This major is compatible with the pursuit of a second major as well. 

The Independent Scholar Program emphasizes self-determination for its students. The responsibility for initiative lies with students, beginning with presentation of their case for admission to the program. Second-semester sophomores or first-semester juniors with a high GPA are invited to apply and submit a detailed presentation of their proposal. The Independent Scholar program takes place during the junior and senior years. Admission is determined by the Independent Scholar Committee.